Dual wielding volcanoes, killing through the west

She was referring to a group of men sitting casually against the wall, clearly forming their own faction. They were looking around the conference hall while whispering amongst themselves, their relationship quite close. But judging from their attire, they didn't seem like cowboys or gunmen; the leader was quite young, sitting at the front of the group with his back ramrod straight.

Judging from their demeanor, their speech, and the fact that almost everyone had an extended magazine of bullets on their shoulders, Jimmy could roughly determine their identities.

“Southern Army,” Jimmy said in a low voice, “It should be a group of exiled Confederate soldiers.”

"This is quite a commotion," Amy muttered to herself. "Hongzhong's sudden return... could something have happened to him?"

“…” Jimmy already had a vague premonition of what was going to happen. “We’ll find out soon enough.”

----

The moment Zhang Renfeng entered through the back door, the hall fell silent instantly, and almost everyone's eyes were fixed on him. Looking at the sea of ​​faces below the stage, he felt a sense of relief for some reason—he had been working like a spinning top for the past few days, and finally, he had left some indelible marks on the world.

“You’ve all heard about what happened to Lagras, more or less.” Zhang Renfeng composed himself and began to introduce his other newly recruited subordinates to Logan and the others. “This is Meteora, whose Lamoon Raiders helped us a lot in that war. Now, this team is also one of us.”

"As you all know, we started a war, and we are still in it today."

……

He recounted everything that had happened in Lagras in the previous month from the most objective and neutral perspective possible.

This was the first time the people of Sanma Town had heard this story in an official, definitive tone, and their expressions varied.

Basically, the elderly feel awe, the middle-aged are astonished, and the young admire—simply because this story of a daring battle, an ambush in the night, and a decisive victory over the enemy is so legendary. Even if you took this story and told it verbatim in a tavern, you could easily earn enough for a night's drinks.

Not to mention the subsequent long-distance raid, a direct assault on the enemy's heartland, and the exhilarating slaughter of the entire Osborn family—it was practically a carbon copy of the devastating defeat at Three Horses Town. Naturally, it was incredibly exciting to hear!

Jimmy's expression was somewhat somber. Compared to the locals who were born and raised here, he had seen more of the world and naturally understood what this war meant.

In contrast, Logan appeared quite calm. He didn't participate in the heated discussion, but simply chewed on his cigar, his expression serene, seemingly lost in thought.

Zhang Renfeng's tone was quite heavy.

"However, the backlash from this war is far stronger and more dangerous than we imagined. The old ways can no longer be replicated. Simply put, the era of relying on gang power to rob money, people, and territory is gone forever, and the Red Center Gang is facing a real transformation crisis."

"And all of this is my fault. I couldn't hold back when I should have been most patient."

He took a deep breath and sighed, "The kind of person I hate most is someone who bullies others by abusing their power."

"Perhaps... if time could turn back, I would still do the same thing. I would seek justice for those who drowned, were trampled to death, or were crushed to death."

"Those high and mighty people, they have money and power, and unless a knife is held to their throats, they will never repent in any way! Hearing their cries of agony before they die makes me feel incredibly comfortable!"

"But even the strongest human strength has its limits. Even if you were made of iron, if you melted me down, how many nails could you hammer in?"

"Those who are sitting here are undoubtedly our own people. We have shed blood together and defeated enemies thousands of times stronger than us! This bond is unbreakable... Right now, more than ever, we need your help."

……

To maintain the team's authority, the team leader usually doesn't easily show weakness, but Zhang Renfeng still said it. He wasn't a particularly flexible person; he poured out whatever was on his mind. This strong emotional expression was especially effective in certain environments, such as when everyone was on his own side, as it easily struck a chord with the audience.

"boom!"

Logan, who had remained silent until now, slammed his short shotgun onto the table and was the first to speak up, "Our lives were given to us by you, and we all remember that."

In short, we'll provide whatever money or manpower you need. Name your price, and we'll get it done if we can!

“Logan…” Zhang Renfeng murmured.

“There’s no need to say all this now. Back in Lagras, we reached a consensus internally,” Meteora said calmly. “Just tell me what you need us to do.”

……

The strong centripetal force made Zhang Renfeng feel at ease, and he subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

"We are about to establish a new group, in the form of a company, to get involved in the timber business throughout Nanzhou. The name will be [Sanyuan Timber Company]."

He clapped his hands, and Kraken, the snake oil merchant who had changed into a formal suit, swallowed hard and walked nervously onto the stage amidst the stares of the crowd. It was clear how nervous he was; his whole body was tense, his gait was unsteady, and he didn't know where to look.

Zhang Renfeng held his shoulders and pressed him down onto the bench in the center of the platform.

"A short-sighted businessman made a fortune selling Red Center brand snake oil. He invested this money in the timber business and started a company..."

"This is Mr. Kraken, and this is the role he will play next. What we need to do is cooperate with him and perform this role well."

Chapter 589: Each Other's Tomorrow

“Um, Mr. Zhang… I’m very grateful for your kindness, but…” Kraken wiped the sweat from his forehead, his shoulders stiff as if frozen, “I only know how to make snake oil and snakeskin tools. As for timber, I really know nothing. They say a trade is like a mountain, and I’m worried I’ll ruin your business…”

“Don’t worry about that. You’re just the ‘nominal’ leader.” Zhang Renfeng patted him on the shoulder to comfort him. “Externally, the company needs someone to take on this position. Ideally, this person should have no dealings with the Red Central Gang on the surface, but also have sufficient motivation and funds to keep this charade going. As it stands, you are the most suitable candidate.”

"You don't need to concern yourself with the company's development, operations, or accounts. You can continue to stay in that snake oil production plant and do what you do best, just like before."

"But... I make 'Hongzhong' brand snake oil, and I've even put your name on the brand. To say it has nothing to do with you would be a bit..."

"That's just an advertisement."

Igor spoke up at the opportune moment, slowly explaining, "You're just using the name 'Hongzhong' to advertise your own products. This only shows that you're a businessman with an excellent business mind and a very keen sense of smell."

"Officially speaking, you've never acted together with the Red Center Gang. You met Lao Zhang on the train. Even if someone investigates, such a chance encounter wouldn't leave any trace. On the surface, your identity is completely independent of the Red Center Gang."

"Using the name of Hongzhong, you made a small fortune from snake oil. So, you were not satisfied with producing snake oil in a small workshop and wanted to do some big business. You spent all the money you made and established Sanyuan Timber Company, wanting to get involved in the timber business - this script is logically sound."

"Don't you understand?" Calaway crossed his legs, leaned back in his chair, and squinted. "Dude, you should still deal in snake oil. It's just that you'll have an extra job on top of that. When necessary, in front of outsiders, you'll have to play the role of a lumber company owner, and incidentally stamp and sign documents. That's it!"

"Oh...oh..." Kraken was still somewhat confused, nodding halfway through his explanation.

“You don’t need to worry about the company’s operations, management, or business strategies; Igor will take care of everything,” Zhang Renfeng said in a deep voice. “Of course, if the company makes money, you will get your share.”

“No, no, no.” Kraken shook his head repeatedly. “I didn’t do any work, how could I possibly get a share of the profits?”

“You have to have it, otherwise the accounts won’t match up.” Igor’s tone was very firm. “Not only that, but there are also certain legal risks in letting you play this role… Consider it our compensation to you.”

This time, Kraken didn't refuse again. Instead, he subconsciously swallowed, sat back down, and stopped talking.

"The company will be located in White Torch Town, which is also my territory. After it is built, our strategist Mike will be hired as the company's security consultant and become one of the employees of Sanyuan Timber Company."

“Heh…” Mike’s smile was somewhat complicated. “After going around in circles, I’ve ended up back to being a bodyguard. Fate can be so magical.”

“At least this time, your employer won’t be killed by a single kick.” Zhang Renfeng joked, then continued, “Xiaomei, you will follow Igor and help him with some things. This is a really rare opportunity, so you can learn a lot from him.”

"..." Xiaomei lowered her head, pursed her lips, and played with her fingers to herself, looking very downcast. But in the end, she didn't say anything, only nodded.

“I’ve already written a letter of recommendation for Dunn. Strictly speaking, I dictated it and Ego wrote it down for me.” Zhang Renfeng turned the conversation to the weapons craftsmen in the gang. “Theon, after you return to White Torch Town, go to their place. They’re the family that started out tinkering with weapons. They have everything they need: equipment, facilities, materials.”

"We will have to fight the Illuminati sooner or later, and it may be more than one battle... In order to make long-term plans for that time, we must not fall behind in terms of weaponry."

“Understood.” Theon nodded, his eyes practically sparkling. “I’ll try to come up with something new and give them a good shock.”

"And then there's Caloway..."

"Back then, I followed you hoping for something exciting and dramatic, and now you've exceeded my expectations. Every day from now on will be a bonus." Before Zhang Renfeng could speak, Calaway said with a smile, "So, Lao Zhang, what do you need me for?"

“…” Zhang Renfeng was amused by his optimism. “The task I’m giving you is quite challenging.”

“You, Alana, and the people of the Lamon Raiders will form the company’s internal ‘security department’.”

Calaway's expression changed.

"What is a security department?" Alana asked curiously. "Is it just about chasing away people who come to rob our company?"

"On the surface, yes, but you have another mission." Zhang Renfeng's tone became somewhat heavy. "Weapons alone cannot win a war; we also need warriors. Warriors of flesh and blood, warriors with unwavering will."

"I've thought about the issue of the exiled Southern Army. It's not just the remnants of the Southern Army. As long as they are qualified and willing to join us, we should actively accept them. We can't wait until the decisive battle and have our hundred or so people fighting their army again."

Meteora concluded, "...You want us to secretly recruit soldiers for you under the guise of this 'security department'?"

“It’s not just about recruitment, but also basic training, shooting, horseback riding, grenade throwing, and so on. Once the team expands, I’ll find a way to get you funding.” Zhang Renfeng lowered his voice. “Later, when your team is more established, I’ll let you separate from the company and form a ‘Sanyuan Security Company’… but that’s a story for another time.”

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present changed to varying degrees. The nature of the matter underwent a dramatic transformation in that instant.

A territory firmly controlled by armed forces in terms of politics, military strategy, and economy is no longer a bandit's attempt to seize a mountain stronghold, but a complete "enclave".

“Besides them, there is another important diplomatic mission, Chief, only you can handle it.”

"I think I've got it." The chief smiled knowingly. "You want me to go back to the High Tree?"

"Given the current situation, having one more friend in the south is better than having one more enemy." Zhang Renfeng took an envelope from his bag and said in a deep voice, "Don't go empty-handed. I'll prepare the money for you."

"As our messenger, you will go and meet with the [King of the Tall Trees] on my behalf, and while you're at it, please tell him..."

"To send our goodwill."

Chapter 590: I'll Take the Blame

“After all that, I think I understand.” Logan took the thick cigar he had been holding and flicked the ash with his finger. “You want to break up the original gang, reorganize it, and then stuff it into this lumber company, right?”

Black Palm frowned, pondering, "Timber companies... As far as I can remember, there haven't been any large timber companies in the south, except for one called, what was it called again..."

“Abi Timber Company?” Igor reminded him.

"Yes, yes, that's it! I've only heard of this company. It deals in timber, and the leader is called Abby Gray. Their business is so big that it has blocked all other timber companies."

Black Palm's tone was somewhat suspicious, and he chuckled awkwardly, "Well, Old Zhang, I'm not doubting your abilities. It's true that you can take on a hundred enemies on the battlefield, but doing business isn't like that. This field is already dominated by others, and you still want to compete with them? You'll end up losing everything."

"..."

Zhang Renfeng and Yi Ge exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.

There was still a layer between them after all.

The people inside the Red Center Gang weren't worried at all about the Abi Timber Company.

Before leaving, Istavo had arranged almost everything for Zhang Renfeng, so naturally he wouldn't have overlooked this aspect.

The sky that weighed heavily on the southern timber business had long been sealed away by his poisoned cup. The Abby Gray who was now in the public eye was an imposter, using illusion magic; everything had been planned beforehand. "He" would find a suitable time to gracefully withdraw, and incidentally feed the entire market to the Sanyuan Timber Company.

Of course, this core secret involves many complex motives, as well as the relationship between Zhang Renfeng and the captain, which he is reluctant to discuss with others.

“This… don’t worry, we have a business strategy.” Igor noticed his hesitation, paused for a moment, and then changed the subject. “Mayor Logan, you just said that you would be willing to cooperate if we have any personnel needs, right?”

“I understand. You want people from Sanma Town to work for your company.” Logan grinned. “Just name your price, and I’ll get it done right away.”

“Don’t force them to go. First, find out the situation and ask about their wishes,” Zhang Renfeng added. “Once the company is established, they may have to leave New Orleans and go to other states, which will be very tough.”

Upon hearing this, a meaningful smile immediately appeared on Logan's weathered old face.

“Hey Lao Zhang, don’t you think you’ve got a bit of a misunderstanding about your reputation in this town?” Black Palm said in an exaggerated tone. “We’re spreading the word that we’re here to work for you, and the number of young people coming to our door is so high it’s practically breaking down the door. It’s that exaggerated.”

“That’s good, it relieves some pressure on us.” Logan sighed. “With so many young people stuck in town doing nothing, it’s easy for trouble to break out.”

……

There are many things that Logan might never have considered if he hadn't become mayor.

Before Hongzhong arrived, his role was more like that of a mediator. But things are different now. In the past, Sanma Town had gathered so many young and strong people that Hector could directly incorporate them into the Fury Thunder Gang and then distribute them to various towns in New Orleans.

The world is vast, there are plenty of places to fight for, so even if there are many people, it won't seem like too many.

But times have changed. Zhang Renfeng's Sanma Town has even brought in a legal team like Jimmy, aiming to create a town indistinguishable from modern civilization. Under these circumstances, it's impossible to let them rejoin the Red Center Gang.

But in Sanma Town, besides farming, herding, and making snake oil, there really isn't any proper work.

Establishing a company and recruiting employees has relieved the pressure on Sanma Town, which can be said to have solved a dilemma.

……

"I've talked a lot about the company, but I haven't heard anything about your own plans," Logan asked. "What about you? Your gang has transformed, so what are your plans as the boss? You can't just hand everything over to your strategist and become a hands-off manager, can you?"

“I’m quite self-aware; I’m an amateur when it comes to business, so I won’t get involved,” Zhang Renfeng waved his hand. “I also have my own plans to implement. This idea is very important, but I can’t reveal it to you yet, however…”

He patted his chest confidently and said, "You'll see once the plan is implemented."

Zhang Renfeng has always presented himself with absolute confidence in his martial prowess. Whenever he sees a villain, regardless of their background or origins, he charges straight in, often managing to crush both the villain and their powerful connections, with remarkable success.

But this time, he unusually appeared very confident in his "wisdom," which explains why everyone looked at him with somewhat strange eyes.

“Our whole group will stay in Sanma Town for a while. Once you've found the right people, we'll all go back to Baiju Town together. If any problems arise during the process, or if you feel anything is amiss, don't hold back. Take this opportunity to communicate more.”

Having said all that needed to be said, Zhang Renfeng's gaze swept over the audience, finally settling on Jimmy. "Lawyer, thank you for your hard work. Come with me again."

----

“A private talk, please.” In the corridor, Amy looked at Jimmy's worried face, a hint of schadenfreude in her smile. She nudged him with her elbow and said teasingly, “I’m starting to doubt whether you’re really part of their team. How come everyone else got a spot, but you weren’t?”

"I...don't lie, according to the order of joining, I was in the very first batch! I joined back in Scar Village! That's right..."

"I just can't control myself, can I?" Amy shook her head, looking hopeless. "I really don't understand. You're not married, and you don't have a wife or kids to support. Your daily life doesn't seem to be that extravagant, so why do you need so much money?"

"Shh, don't talk nonsense!" Jimmy quickly shook his head like a rattle-drum, denying it. "You don't know the truth!"

"You forgot? You showed me the town's financial ledgers before the professional accountant came from Baiju Town. There were more than one transaction, all labeled as progress payments, but the figures didn't match up. You just couldn't control yourself."

"What do you mean I couldn't control myself... wait a minute..." Jimmy seemed to just come to his senses and exclaimed in surprise, "You can tell that?"